AMHERST, N.Y. — Saint Michael's College (4-0) defeated Daemen University (1-2) 1-0 at Royal Park Friday, with the Purple Knights scoring the decisive goal in the first half.
In the first half, Saint Michael's held control offensively, taking numerous shots on goal. Daemen's goalkeeper
Becca Schultz (Grand Island, N.Y.) was pivotal, making several crucial saves, including attempts at the bottom center in the early minutes.
Despite Schultz's efforts, Saint Michael's broke through in the 39th minute with a goal by Kayleigh Crowell, assisted by Faith Kosiba, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Daemen was unable to counter, finishing the half scoreless.
The second half began with the Purple Knights taking the initiative, as Faith Kosiba's shot at 45:57 was saved by Daemen's goalkeeper, Schultz. The visitors maintained pressure, with Bridget McLoughlin and Bella DelVecchio both attempting shots, though neither found the target.
Schultz remained a pivotal figure for Daemen, making multiple key saves, including a crucial stop in the 66th minute to prevent the Purple Knights from adding another. The senior recorded 13 saves in the match, including eight in the first half.
Casey Keller (Rochester, N.Y.) and
Kaitlyn Wright (Geneva, N.Y.) fired shots less than a minute apart in the 68th minute, but both had their attempts saved.
Marisa Rickard (North Tonawanda, N.Y.) also ripped a shot that landed wide in the 71st minute. Rickard had another opportunity in the 86th minute, but her shot went off target.
Daemen had two corners in the second half, one in the 68th minute and one in the 89th minute, which it could not convert.
The Wildcats are back home Tuesday, hosting Bentley at 3 p.m.
Daemen University features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.
Follow the Daemen University women's soccer program on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @DaemenWSOC.
